Media Coursework Evaluation

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

(i.e. of film openings)

Ways in which the ‘Burnouts’ opening sequence develops forms and conventions of existing film openings is through the different characteristics of the genre. ‘Burnouts’ is a teen comedy and one way it adheres to typical conventions of the genre is through the range of characters within the sequence.

For example, the main protagonist, Jay is meant to reflect a typical ‘cool-guy’ character shown in many films, such as Heath Ledgers character, Patrick Verona in teen comedy ’10 Things I Hate About You’.

One aspect of Patrick Verona’s character that hints towards the rebellious part he has within the film is his long hair. This could be portrayed as showing a non-conformist side to him and a disregard for authority. We have tried to establish this same look within ‘Burnouts’ from Jay’s costume, we have used a hood as opposed to an actor with long hair because this seemed more fitting within modern context.

The relationship between Amy and Jay within ‘Burnouts’ is also a typical teen comedy convention. Amy and Jay are the only characters individually introduced with the use of the titles in the opening sequence. They are also the main focus throughout and while Jay is talking to the group of friends it is mainly Amy he looks at. All of these were done to suggest to the audience that the love interest lies between these two characters.

‘Burnouts’ also challenges some of these typical conventions of teen comedies. The two characters at the very beginning of the film opening – Brad and Jessica – are an example of this. In some teen comedies the relationships within them can tend to get quite ‘intense’.

This is the convention ‘Burnouts’ is challenging through the characters of Brad and Jessica. These two characters are meant to be mocking the usual intense, ‘lovey-dovey’ relationships shown in teen comedies.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

‘Burnouts’ represents particular social groups through its sub-genre. This being the ‘stoner film’ it also represents, this refers to films depicting the use of marijuana. This sub-genre of Burnouts allows it to be compared with films such as ‘Clerks’ and ‘Dazed and Confused’.

The use of drugs within this film sequence establishes the social group introduced as “The Guys” in the opening as a representative of today’s youth that participate in the use of drugs.

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Existing production companies that specialise in these types of films include ‘Apatow Productions’. This is the production company owned by Director, Judd Apatow. They have produced films such as ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’.

The funding for a film like this could be supported by certain grants made available from the UK Film Council. For example there is available funding for all of the following:

Script DevelopmentFilm ProductionShort

FilmsFilm Export and Distribution

CinemasFilm Education

Culture and ArchivesFestivals

Audience Support Schemes

Who would the audience be for your media product?

The target audience for ‘Burnouts’ would be people aged between 15-25. It would mainly appeal to students and the social groups the film reflects. Films and TV programmes the target audience may be interested in watching include ‘Freaks and Geeks’, ‘Harold and Kumar’ and ‘Superbad’.

How did you attract/address your audience?

The use of music within the opening sequence is reminiscent to the film ‘Juno’ which has a similar target market to this film, therefore this will address those viewers.

The use of drugs within the opening sequence is similar to the recent film ‘Adventureland’ where in the intro someone hands his friend drugs. These both include a light-hearted approach to the recreational use of cannabis.

What have you learnt about technologies through the process

of constructing this product?

Through the process of making this opening sequence of a film I have learnt a lot about using the software ‘Final Cut Express’. I chose to set up a two camera shoot for the opening sequence therefore the opening sequence involved syncing image. This proved difficult but meant I spent a lot of time using the software and I feel comfortable using it now.

I also used video transactions within the film which is done through the same software. Another software I learnt to use was ‘LiveType’. This is the programme I used to make the titles.

In terms of editing and camerawork what do you feel you have learnt?

As well as learning how to use the cameras, tripods, editing software etc I have also learnt various technical terms for the different types of shots and how to use them.